After ending their trolley service to the wards in March 2020, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Friends of St Mary’s Hospital are once again taking their much-appreciated items to patients, including newspapers, toiletries and treats.
Before the trolley starts each round, a check is made where it can be taken safely that day.
Visitors are still unable to pay a visit to patients at the hospital, however.
Lesley Myland, Friends of St Mary’s Chairman, says:
“The volunteers who run the service are reporting a warm and enthusiastic welcome from everyone it reaches”.
The trolley operates out of the Friends foyer shop which itself had to close earlier on in the pandemic, together with cafes at Laidlaw, Outpatients and Ryde Health and Wellbeing Centre. But in August last year, the main shop was re-opened to the delight of both patients and staff.
Shop Manager Lisa Brodie says:
“We are very grateful for the many volunteers who have helped during this difficult time in the shop and with the trolley”.
Over the years the Friends have taken great pride in donating profits from its operations to purchase equipment and services around the hospital. The charity is still actively involved in seeking areas where the current profits can best be spent.
Welcoming the return of the trolley service, the hospital’s patient experience lead, Sam Johnson said:
“Our Friends make such a huge difference to our patients, and we are so grateful for everything they do to support our trust. The service has been really missed throughout the pandemic and we are delighted to welcome the Friends volunteers back on site. Their presence will be really appreciated and is more important than ever while we have visitor restrictions in place.”
Over the years the Friends have taken great pride in donating profits from its operations to purchase equipment and services around the hospital. The charity is still actively involved in seeking areas where the current profits can best be spent.
